Hulk Hogan is one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling history, yet, his fame extends beyond the ring, very often dipping into realms of controversy that have impacted his public image.
Here we delve into some of the most infamous controversies associated with Hogan, including the Belzer lawsuit, the Gawker case, the leaked tape scandal, and a peculiar connection to Kamala Harris.
The Belzer Lawsuit: A Wrestling Move Gone Wrong
In 1985, Hulk Hogan appeared on the television show “Hot Properties,” hosted by Richard Belzer. The appearance was intended to promote the first-ever WrestleMania, but it quickly spiraled into an infamous incident.
During the show, Belzer asked Hogan to demonstrate a wrestling move. Complying, Hogan applied a front chin-lock, a common wrestling maneuver, on Belzer. However, the move rendered Belzer unconscious, causing him to collapse onto the studio floor. To make matters worse, Belzer’s head hit the floor, resulting in a laceration that required medical attention.
Belzer sued Hogan and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), seeking damages for the incident. The lawsuit was eventually settled out of court, with Belzer reportedly receiving $5 million according to Hogan.
This controversy highlighted the dangers of blurring the lines between wrestling entertainment and real life, marking one of the earliest public scandals in Hogan’s career.
The Gawker Case: A Pioneering Privacy Battle
One of Hulk Hogan’s most high-profile controversies was his legal battle against Gawker Media.
In 2012, Gawker published a secretly recorded sex tape featuring Hogan and Heather Clem, the wife of his then-best friend, radio personality Bubba the Love Sponge. The tape quickly went viral, causing significant damage to Hogan’s reputation.
Hogan sued Gawker for invasion of privacy, leading to a landmark trial. In 2016, the court ruled in Hogan’s favor, awarding him $140 million in damages. The lawsuit effectively bankrupted Gawker, leading to the media company’s shutdown.
This case was not only significant for Hogan but also set a precedent in privacy law, highlighting the legal risks of publishing private content without consent.
The Leaked Tape Scandal: Racial Slurs and Public Fallout
The fallout from the Gawker tape wasn’t just about privacy—it also revealed a darker side of Hogan’s character.
In the leaked video, Hogan was heard making racially charged comments, including the use of the N-word. The revelation of these remarks caused widespread outrage, leading to Hogan’s immediate firing from WWE and the removal of his profile from their website.
The scandal tarnished Hogan’s legacy, with many fans and fellow wrestlers expressing their disappointment.
Hogan later apologized for his remarks, attributing them to a low point in his life. Despite his efforts to rebuild his image, the incident remains a significant blemish on his career.
Kamala Harris: Controversial Comments
Hulk Hogan’s connection to Kamala Harris, the current Vice President of the United States, stems from a controversial incident that occurred in 2024. During a promotional event for his new beer, Hogan made headlines for making inflammatory comments about Harris. In a video obtained by TMZ, Hogan jokingly asked a crowd if they wanted him to “body slam Kamala Harris” and “drop the leg” on her, referencing his iconic wrestling moves.
The remarks, made in front of a fired-up crowd, were not only provocative but also crossed into racially insensitive territory. Hogan questioned Harris’s racial identity, making comments about her Indian heritage and using outdated stereotypes. He referred to Harris as a “chameleon” and questioned whether she was truly Indian, which drew significant backlash.
Hogan’s comments came at a time of heightened political tension in the U.S., with growing calls to curb violent political rhetoric. His remarks were widely condemned, especially given the context of recent political violence and the ongoing divisiveness in American politics.
Hogan later tried to downplay the incident by blaming his comments on the beer he was promoting, but the damage to his public image was already done.
